A husband and wife who ran two central London brothels using victims of human trafficking, have been jailed for a total of more than 12 years. Wai Tsang, 53, and Wenwen Pan, 41, ran brothels in High Street Kensington and Marylebone over a five-year period from 1 January 2015 to 17 January 2020.
Campaign launched against Lewisham library cuts
A campaign has been launched to reverse Lewisham’s planned half a million cut to its library service. The proposal forms part of £40million worth of budget cuts the council plans to make over the next three years.
Teenager runs 5K a day to raise over £7,000 for children living through war
A teenager has pledged to run 5km a day for 30 consecutive days during February, to help children who are living through war. Oscar Saltissi, 17, from Prince of Wales Drive, Battersea, decided to turn lockdown into an opportunity to support War Child UK – a charity dedicated to supporting children affected by conflict.
Dagenham rapist gets life after asking directions of woman in Peckham, giving her a lift then locking her in and raping her
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a woman in Peckham. Taofiq Laguda, 46, of Dagenham, was driving a car which was not his because he was banned – but he was still caught and sentenced on Thursday, 25 February at Woolwich Crown Court.
Testing ramped up after South African variant identified
Coronavirus testing in the Wimbledon Park area will be ramped up after the South African variant of the virus was identified. Enhanced testing to track the variant will run for a week from today.
More top stories
Streatham and Kensington cocaine smugglers face 36 years behind bars
Two men face a combined 36 years in prison after a National Crime Agency investigation found they were behind an attempt to smuggle cocaine worth £32million into the UK. Juan David Perea Lopez, 26 of New Cross, London, and Bashar Fares Al-Safee, 31 from North Kensington, London, arranged to import 400kg of the class A drug, hidden in a consignment of yams from Costa Rica.
Controversial demolition in New Cross as part of plans to build thousands of new homes
Lewisham Council has identified a series of sites across north Lewisham where more than 12,000 homes are set to be or could be built. The council is consulting on its draft local plan, which sets out its long-term development strategy until 2040.
Millwall defender Alex Pearce: Luton’s timewasting was a joke – our equaliser was karma
Alex Pearce has hammered Luton Town’s complaints about how much stoppage time was added on Tuesday night – describing Millwall late equaliser as “karma”.
Millwall boss answers when next round of talks with players due to be out of contract will take place
Millwall manager Gary Rowett is expecting to have talks next month with those players who are due to be free agents this summer.
“They are going to have to perform” – Mark Robinson has message for academy prospects eyeing first-team shot at AFC Wimbledon
Mark Robinson wants to bring through AFC Wimbledon’s academy players – but has warned they will have to seriously graft for an opportunity at senior level. The 55-year-old was appointed head coach at the League One club last week after a short spell in interim charge following Glyn Hodges’ departure.
Bookmakers don’t fancy Charlton Athletic for League One promotion – with Burton result not helping build confidence of late upturn in results
Charlton’s top-six hopes took another dispiriting bashing on Tuesday night – and the size of the task is underlined by the widening betting odds for them to be promoted from League One this season.
The Addicks are as long as 33/1 after bottom club Burton Albion did the double over them in midweek.
Sixteen draws for Millwall – but latest at Luton Town can be viewed as a point gained after stoppage time drama
Millwall collected their 16th draw of the season on Tuesday – but it will be one of the few Gary Rowett will have been happy with considering the dramatic way it came about.
Charlton fans sign petition to have Valley stand renamed after Alan Curbishley
Former Charlton chief executive Peter Varney reckons that the club’s owner Thomas Sandgaard should name one of the Valley stands after Alan Curbishley. And a petition by Voice of the Valley fanzine editor Rick Everitt – Stand Up For Curbs – had nearly 2,000 signatures when our paper went to press.
Time might soon be up for Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace boss – but win at Brighton heads off talk of immediate change
The noise ahead of Monday’s grudge match on the South Coast was that a defeat – particularly a bad one – could spell the end for Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. Now it is hard to see him not staying in his job until at least the end of the season.
Jake Cooper no longer set for shoulder surgery – as Millwall chief reveals op would not greatly reduce risk of injury happening again
Jake Cooper could be back in Millwall’s squad for tomorrow’s match at Barnsley – with the centre-back now not set to require surgery on his dislocated shoulder. The Lions had initially been aiming to hold off on an operation – which would have ruled Cooper out for three months – until the close season.
Herne Hill Harriers’ Katie Snowden makes GB team for European Indoor Championships
Katie Snowden has been named in the Great Britain team for the European Indoor Championships in Poland. The Herne Hill Harriers athlete made it two second-place finishes in successive weekends in the 1,500m at Sportcity in Manchester.
“We all need to take responsibility” – Lee Bowyer in Charlton Athletic call as battle on to resurrect play-off prospects
Lee Bowyer believes Charlton’s play-off prospects are still alive – but says everyone has got to take responsibility for a poor run of form. The South London outfit lost 2-1 at The Valley to Burton Albion on Tuesday night with their top-six hopes suffering another severe dent.
Charlton Athletic Women’s boss Riteesh Mishra reacts to Thomas Sandgaard takeover development
Riteesh Mishra has welcomed the news that Thomas Sandgaard is set to acquire Charlton Athletic Women. The Addicks head to bottom club Coventry United on Sunday knowing that a win will move them three points clear of their hosts and potentially also above London Bees in the FA Women’s Championship.
Education
Harlequins Theatre School helps students with mental health issues following prolonged lockdown
A theatre school in Bromley has helped students with their mental health after noticing issues arising caused by the prolonged lockdown.
Game Review – Hitman 3
Everyone’s favourite bald, brooding barcode-coded assassin is back. Well, not everyone’s. If you are one of Agent 47’s targets then it doesn’t tend to end very well if the folically-challenged executioner turns up.
Nobel prize-winning author and his daughter to discuss new book in online event
Nobel prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro and his daughter Naomi Ishiguro will make a rare public appear-ance to discuss their new novels in an online event.
Children to receive three Covid tests during first week back at school
Children will receive three Covid tests during their first week back at secondary school from March 8, Kensington and Chelsea Council has said.
Opinions
In My View: Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham
I was recently drawn for my first ever Prime Minister’s Question and had the opportunity to push the Government on the issue of children’s citizenship fees. It’s thanks to the brilliant work of campaign groups that this issue has been brought to light
In My View: Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham and Deptford
This lockdown seems to have been the hardest of them all and we have passed some very grim milestones in recent weeks. I therefore thought I should use this week’s column to try to spread some positivity among readers
In My View: Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea
Last week marked a grim milestone: more than 100,000 people have now died in the UK from coronavirus, 12,600 here in London – a national tragedy. These are not just statistics; they represent the deaths of loved ones and behind every death is a grieving family.
In My View: Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood
The start of 2021 has been a time of very mixed emotions for all of us. There is hope on the horizon with the start of the coronavirus vaccine roll-out, but still many challenges as the rate of coronavirus has risen rapidly
Food & Drink
A taste of the Caribbean at Juici Jerk
Caribbean food is currently experiencing a renaissance. Given South London’s significant Caribbean community, the cuisine has long had a place in locals’ hearts but even here things are changing. To use modern parlance, we’re seeing a definite levelling up.
Remembering good times at The Nightingale
A few years back I had a job interview. Knowing that I would deserve a well-earned pint afterwards I thought about which pub I would visit and what I would order, and completely lost focus in the interview.
For a fine selection of beers and ales check out The King & Co Clapham
For the pub industry it is March 3, when the Budget will reveal the support package available for pubs and brewers to help them survive and get going again when some semblance of normality returns.
A feast for cheese lovers
Worthy Farm – home of the iconic Glastonbury Festival and award-winning dairy farm – has launched its first reserve Cheddar cheese, exclusively in Co-op stores.
Entertainment
Talented Eltham singer impresses judges on The Voice
A 21-year-old singer from Eltham has wowed judges on the blind auditions of ITV’s talent show The Voice. Nathan Smoker sang Tom Odell’s powerful song Can’t Pretend causing judges Olly Murs and Anne-Marie to turn around almost immediately.
Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust presents ‘Living in Greenwich: tales through time’
Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust, ‘Living in Greenwich: tales through time’ is a major exhibition that explores the history and heritage of Greenwich
Beckenham Photographer documents people receiving the Covid vaccine
A photographer has started a project documenting the Covid vaccine roll-out after being moved by seeing people receive their jabs. Jason Ashwood, 51, from Beckenham, began volunteering as a Covid marshall at Paxton Green Group Practice in Alleyn Park, Norwood where his wife works as the lead nurse.
100 Club to trial Covid-secure measures when it re-opens
An iconic West End club where everyone from the The Rolling Stones to the Sleaford Mods has played will trial technology designed to keep people Covid-secure when it is able to reopen, writes Julia Gregory.
Streatham actor receives praise for his acting in new Amazon drama
An actor who landed a starring role in a new independent British crime film, Get Gone, is receiving rave reviews for his acting. Alex Guildford, 30, plays the lead actor Aaron in the gritty crime drama which has just been released on Amazon Prime Video.
Theatre
Harlequins Theatre School helps students with mental health issues following prolonged lockdown
A theatre school in Bromley has helped students with their mental health after noticing issues arising caused by the prolonged lockdown.
Hit play about racism and stereotypes starring Richard Blackwood goes online
A hit stage play exploring racism and stereotypes of black masculinity is being shown online for the first time from February 24. Typical, produced by Soho Theatre and Nouveau Riche, follows the true-life story of black British ex-serviceman Christopher Alder and the injustice he has faced.
The Albany appoints new associates to create with the community
A performing arts centre in Deptford has appointed three new associate artists who will create art with and for the community.
What's On
Get arty online with the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is offering a chance to get creative with their free online art class. The event, on March 11, will guide you to make your own collage inspired by the museum’s collection of more than 2,000 posters.
Nobel prize-winning author and his daughter to discuss new book in online event
Nobel prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro and his daughter Naomi Ishiguro will make a rare public appear-ance to discuss their new novels in an online event.
Giant ice sculpture erected as part of campaign against climate change
A giant ice sculpture of Sir David Attenborough has been erected on the South Bank riverside as part of a new campaign against climate change
Five bridges provide ‘a ray of light’ to Londoners amid pandemic
Five more bridges spanning the River Thames will be lit up this spring to create the world’s longest public art commission and bring “a ray of light” to Londoners.
Best of South London
Children’s lockdown activities initiative wins national award
An initiative which gave children in Wandsworth creative materials and activities during lockdown has won a national award. More than 4,000 children received a Create & Learn PlayKit through primary schools and food banks to help keep them stimulated.
Greenpeace director writes lockdown inspired poems from his flat
Environmentalist and author Ed Gillespie has released a collection of poems written in and inspired by the first lockdown. Confined to his flat on Brixton Hill with more time on his hands than usual, Mr Gillespie, 48, started writing a five-minute poem each day.
Tooting nursery founder and brave charity fundraiser dies just days after being made an MBE aged 96
The founder of the Eveline Day & Nursery Schools and MBE, Maria Keaveney-Jessiman, has died aged 96. Maria, a Wimbledon resident, was awarded an MBE for her services to education in the Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honour list just days before her passing in January.
Pets
Can you help pay for Henry to get CAT scan?
A woman and her daughter are appealing for help to pay for a CT scan for their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whose eye swells and seeps blood and gunk.
Keep pets fit and active during lockdown
Many of us would be lost without the mood-boosting power of our pets. It’s important to remember to keep our pets fit and active during lockdown, just as it’s important for us too. It helps keep our pets in shape and is vital for their mental health
Help your pet to get through the lockdowns
We all know that keeping ourselves entertained during lockdown can be challenging, but what about our pets? To help pet owners through the latest lockdown, Anna has put together some top tips on keeping dogs and cats entertained
South London Memories
‘Sue felt like a friend as soon as you met her’
Tributes to a “warm and friendly” councillor who was a “true advocate for her constituents” have been paid following her death. Lewisham council said on Wednesday of last week that councillor Sue Hordijenko had passed away.
Maria believed mums wanted to work and nurseries an extension of home
The founder of the Eveline Day & Nursery Schools and MBE Maria Keaveney-Jessiman, has died aged 96. Maria, a Wimbledon resident, was awarded an MBE for her services to education in the Queen’s 2021 New Years Honours list just days before her passing in January.
‘Cheerful Percy, an inspiration to all’
WILL BROOK’s grandad Percy Brook hardly ever talked about his wartime experiences. But the Peckham lad who joined up aged 21 went on to be awarded a medal for bravery. This is his story
‘It is worse than the war. Back then you could go out’
It’s official – for civilians, living through the Covid-19 pandemic is worse than the Second World War. That is the verdict of Nell Pearce, who has lived through both and had her 95th birthday on February 2.
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Millwall
Millwall defender Alex Pearce: Luton’s timewasting was a joke – our equaliser was karma
Alex Pearce has hammered Luton Town’s complaints about how much stoppage time was added on Tuesday night – describing Millwall late equaliser as “karma”.
Millwall boss answers when next round of talks with players due to be out of contract will take place
Millwall manager Gary Rowett is expecting to have talks next month with those players who are due to be free agents this summer.
Sixteen draws for Millwall – but latest at Luton Town can be viewed as a point gained after stoppage time drama
Millwall collected their 16th draw of the season on Tuesday – but it will be one of the few Gary Rowett will have been happy with considering the dramatic way it came about.
Jake Cooper no longer set for shoulder surgery – as Millwall chief reveals op would not greatly reduce risk of injury happening again
Jake Cooper could be back in Millwall’s squad for tomorrow’s match at Barnsley – with the centre-back now not set to require surgery on his dislocated shoulder. The Lions had initially been aiming to hold off on an operation – which would have ruled Cooper out for three months – until the close season.
Charlton Athletic
Bookmakers don’t fancy Charlton Athletic for League One promotion – with Burton result not helping build confidence of late upturn in results
Charlton’s top-six hopes took another dispiriting bashing on Tuesday night – and the size of the task is underlined by the widening betting odds for them to be promoted from League One this season.
The Addicks are as long as 33/1 after bottom club Burton Albion did the double over them in midweek.
Charlton fans sign petition to have Valley stand renamed after Alan Curbishley
Former Charlton chief executive Peter Varney reckons that the club’s owner Thomas Sandgaard should name one of the Valley stands after Alan Curbishley. And a petition by Voice of the Valley fanzine editor Rick Everitt – Stand Up For Curbs – had nearly 2,000 signatures when our paper went to press.
“We all need to take responsibility” – Lee Bowyer in Charlton Athletic call as battle on to resurrect play-off prospects
Lee Bowyer believes Charlton’s play-off prospects are still alive – but says everyone has got to take responsibility for a poor run of form. The South London outfit lost 2-1 at The Valley to Burton Albion on Tuesday night with their top-six hopes suffering another severe dent.
Charlton Athletic Women’s boss Riteesh Mishra reacts to Thomas Sandgaard takeover development
Riteesh Mishra has welcomed the news that Thomas Sandgaard is set to acquire Charlton Athletic Women. The Addicks head to bottom club Coventry United on Sunday knowing that a win will move them three points clear of their hosts and potentially also above London Bees in the FA Women’s Championship.
Crystal Palace
Time might soon be up for Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace boss – but win at Brighton heads off talk of immediate change
The noise ahead of Monday’s grudge match on the South Coast was that a defeat – particularly a bad one – could spell the end for Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. Now it is hard to see him not staying in his job until at least the end of the season.
Christian Benteke’s goal against arch-rivals Brighton will change how he is remembered by Palace fans – the same might be the case for Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mention Christian Benteke’s name in the decades that come and the long goal droughts, the bad misses and the lengthy absences through injury will all be an afterthought. Perhaps even to the extent of them being worth suffering.
Fulham defender in bullish mood ahead of derby at Crystal Palace
Joachim Andersen is confident in-form Fulham can boost their survival prospects at Crystal Palace on Sunday. Seven points from a possible nine have boosted the chances of Scott Parker’s side climbing out of the Premier League bottom three.
Crystal Palace striker reckons he sent a reminder after scoring winning goal against Brighton
Christian Benteke sent a reminder of his ability after scoring the added-time winner against Brighton, the Crystal Palace striker feels.
AFC Wimbledon
“They are going to have to perform” – Mark Robinson has message for academy prospects eyeing first-team shot at AFC Wimbledon
Mark Robinson wants to bring through AFC Wimbledon’s academy players – but has warned they will have to seriously graft for an opportunity at senior level. The 55-year-old was appointed head coach at the League One club last week after a short spell in interim charge following Glyn Hodges’ departure.
Jack Rudoni’s role a masterstroke by Dons head coach – as League One survival prospects boosted by 1-0 victory over Gillingham
AFC Wimbledon have turned a corner in recent weeks following the emergence of Mark Robinson as their new head coach. It was only fitting that the winner in the former Dons academy chief’s first home game since his appointment – 1-0 against Gillingham on Tuesday – came from a player that he’s worked so closely with over the years in his previous role.
Dons head coach Mark Robinson provides update on his search for an assistant
Mark Robinson has revealed that his search for an assistant head coach has been a challenge – and hinted that the club may have to wait until the season is done to secure their preferred candidate.
Mark Robinson talks about “hugely important” target after taking charge at AFC Wimbledon
Mark Robinson has opened up on his aims after being appointed Wimbledon head coach role on a permanent basis – with League One survival unsurprisingly the main goal.
Dulwich Hamlet
Non-league round-up: Dulwich Hamlet boss reveals that number of his squad not eligible for furlough payments
Dulwich Hamlet saw their National League South season declared null and void at the end of last week – with manager Gavin Rose revealing that a major chunk of their playing squad are unable to be furloughed.
National League South season declared null and void
The National League South season has been declared null and void – a decision that affects Dulwich Hamlet and Welling United.
National League charge Dulwich Hamlet for not playing recent fixtures – with club labelling approach as “bullying”
The National League have charged Dulwich Hamlet for not playing two of their recent fixtures – with the South London club claiming the approach is “bullying”.
Dulwich Hamlet chairman accuses some National League clubs of looking to “subvert” voting over finishing the campaign
Dulwich Hamlet chairman Ben Clasper has accused some clubs of “subverting” the vote over whether the National League season should be completed. The Champion Hill outfit issued a statement a week ago saying they would not fulfil their fixtures until the 128-year-old club’s future was not at risk.
Chelsea
Chelsea boss Tuchel outlines his demands ahead of Sunday showdown with Manchester United
Thomas Tuchel knows that his players have to show the work rate and aggression on Sunday against Manchester United, that they produced against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday – and, just as importantly, be wary of complacency.
Brilliant Giroud bicycle kick shocks Atletico Madrid as Blues win 1-0 in Champions League
Olivier Giroud scored a spectacular goal to put Chelsea in the driving seat as they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 away in Bucharest, Romania in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League tonight.
It was a game of few chances enlivened only by the France striker’s acrobatic overhead kick deep into the second half.
Mount spares Chelsea’s blushes with a spot-kick equaliser as the Blues draw 1-1 against Southampton
Mason Mount picked himself off the floor after Danny Ings had bundled him over in the Saints penalty area, and slotted home a fine spot kick to give the Blues a point against a poor Southampton side at St Marty’s.
Chelsea remain unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel’s tutelage, but will be disappointed not to have secured all three points
Olivier Giroud set to lead the Chelsea attack at Southampton – with keeper recall also expected
Olivier Giroud is expected to lead the line for Chelsea when they face Southampton at St Mary’s tomorrow. The veteran hitman, 34, came off the bench to replace injured Tammy Abraham and scored the opening goal in Monday’s 2-0 home win over Newcastle. It propelled the west Londoners into fourth place in the Premier League – a position unthinkable while Frank Lampard was at the helm.
Fulham
Fulham defender in bullish mood ahead of derby at Crystal Palace
Joachim Andersen is confident in-form Fulham can boost their survival prospects at Crystal Palace on Sunday. Seven points from a possible nine have boosted the chances of Scott Parker’s side climbing out of the Premier League bottom three.
Scott Parker: My Fulham side have never lost belief they can survive in Premier League
Scott Parker saw his Fulham side move a win away from climbing out of the Premier League bottom three – and then hailed the belief of his squad.
Fulham boss has update on Aleksandar Mitrovic return date
Fulham boss Scott Parker has revealed when Aleksandar Mitrovic is set to be declared available again – with the Serbian sidelined after a positive Covid-19 test.
South London striker’s transfer situation likely to be clearer once Fulham’s fate is sealed
Scott Parker reckons that Josh Maja’s future will become clearer once Fulham’s fight to stay in the Premier League is resolved.
QPR
QPR frustration at Preston stalemate shows growing belief in R’s playing ranks
Mark Warburton said his QPR players are frustrated to have only come away with a point against Preston North End – but believes this means “belief” is growing in the camp. Their five-match unbeaten run has seen them rise to 13th in the Championship table but they had to settle for a 0-0 draw at rain-soaked Deepdale.
QPR boss pleased with former Arsenal player’s progress
Mark Warburton had “no hesitation” in starting Chris Willock against Bournemouth but believes the “talented” winger can have an impact late in games.
R’s boss defends strikers Dykes and Bonne after victory over AFC Bournemouth
Mark Warburton has backed his strikers Lyndon Dykes and Macauley Bonne, insisting they do “so much more” than score goals for Queens Park Rangers.
QPR boss delighted that his side have defied critics
Mark Warburton says critics did not give his side much of chance of taking points during their impressive run of form as Queens Park Rangers rose to see off Bournemouth.
Boxing
Brockley legend Honeghan pays tribute to friend and former British heavyweight champ Hughroy Currie
Hughroy Currie, who was British heavyweight boxing champion amid Frank Bruno’s heyday, has died aged 61. The Brockley-raised fighter, who had suffered from a string of health problems in his later years, died in hospital after catching Covid-19 and passed away on January 22.
Eddie Hearn: Gibraltar stage for Whyte-Povetkin II will be a brilliant experience
Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Alexander Povetkin has been pushed back to March 27 – and will now take place in Gibraltar. The Brixton heavyweight was due to go hunting revenge against Povetkin on March 6 in the UK. But Whyte is based in Portugal and travel restrictions would have disrupted his training schedule.
Rumble On The Rock – Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight showdown with Alexander Povetkin gets new date
Brixton heavyweight Dillian Whyte has seen his heavyweight rematch pushed back – with a location change to Gibraltar – due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Craig Richards in talks for April shot at WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol
Craig Richards is set to challenge for the WBA world title – with the Crystal Palace fighter in talks for an April bout with Dmitry Bivol.
More Sport
Herne Hill Harriers’ Katie Snowden makes GB team for European Indoor Championships
Katie Snowden has been named in the Great Britain team for the European Indoor Championships in Poland. The Herne Hill Harriers athlete made it two second-place finishes in successive weekends in the 1,500m at Sportcity in Manchester.
Non-league round-up: Dulwich Hamlet boss reveals that number of his squad not eligible for furlough payments
Dulwich Hamlet saw their National League South season declared null and void at the end of last week – with manager Gavin Rose revealing that a major chunk of their playing squad are unable to be furloughed.
Rugby club celebrates being first in England to receive International Gay Rugby membership
A rugby club is celebrating after becoming the first nationally to become a member of an international inclusivity organisation, proving that to champion inclusivity, you just have to try.
